Community Corner
Grab & Go Kids Planner: Thomas the Tank Engine, Civil War Tours and More
Learn how to plant a garden, take a candlelight tour of a historic village or ride on Thomas the Tank Engine - pick and choose from this week's array of family events.
Family best bets for the week ahead:
Birthday Party Packages at
Why go: Each basic package includes three-hour rental, an Art Studio set-up, tablecloths, cups, napkins, paper plates, 12 goodie bags, one balloon bouquet and gym to use for sports and games.
Where: , 1201 Livernois, Ferndale
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When: noon-3 p.m., 3:30-6:30 p.m., 7-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
Cost: $200-$300 resident, $225-$325 non-resident, depending on the package
Find out what's happening in Ferndalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
More information: Call and discuss packages at 248-544-6767
Off the Grid Crafts
Why go: Families can learn how to prepare their garden for spring planting
Where:
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday
Cost: Free
More information: 248-546-2504 or www.ferndale.lib.mi.us
Civil War Candlelight Tours
Why go: Celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War with a Candlelight Tour of the Troy Museum and Historic Village. Meet Union and Confederate re-enactors, listen to period music and watch blacksmiths forging items for sale. Dress for the weather. For ages 10 to adults.
Where: Troy Museum and Historic Village, 60 West Wattles Rd., Troy
When: 6:45-8:15 p.m. Saturday. Call for a tour time. Tours leave every 15 minutes and last about 90 minutes.
Cost: $10
More information: Reservations required, 248-524-3570
Day Out with Thomas: Leader of the Track Tour 2011
Why go: If you want to be MVP (Most Valuable Parent) you will take your Thomas- aficionado on a 20-minute train ride on Thomas the Tank Engine and take pictures with Sir Topham Hatt and Thomas (get those pictures later as photos or key chains). There is an Imagination Station featuring temporary tattoos, hands on activities and coloring sheets. There are also storytelling, magic shows and live entertainment and there is a tent with all the Thomas merchandise you can imagine. Take your wagon or stroller to get from the car to the site in the Village.
Where: Greenfield Village, Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn
When: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., April 30-May 1, May 7-8 and 14-15.
Cost: Call for timed tickets, $11.75 for members, ages 1 and older and includes free admission to Greenfield Village. $33.75 non-member adults, $32.75 non-member seniors, $27.75 non-member children ages 5-12, $11.75 non-member children ages 1-4.
More information: 313-982-6001 or www.thehenryford.org
Day of Puppetry
Why go: See "Crane Maiden," PuppetART’s evocative puppet show based on a Japanese folktale. Following the show, there are workshops for kids as well as adults. Kids 5 and older can make Jumping Jack Puppets or Box Puppets. Adults can take part in a rod puppet workshop and a storytelling workshop.
Where: Detroit Puppet Theater, 25 East Grand River Avenue, Detroit
When: 1-4:30 p.m. Saturday
Cost: $15 adults, $10 children for the performance. $2 material fees each workshop
More information: 313-961-7777 or www.puppetart.org
